China has expressed its readiness to strengthen its partnership with Thailand and support peace efforts between Thailand and Cambodia amid recent border tensions. This statement came from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, July 10 2025.
As both nations celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Wang emphasized China’s commitment to deepening its ties with Thailand and pushing forward their shared vision of a “community with a shared future.” He said that China is willing to play a constructive and neutral role in easing tensions and encouraging dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia.
A Golden Anniversary of Friendship
Wang noted that China-Thailand relations have entered a new era, marked by stronger collaboration and trust. The two countries have celebrated their “Golden Friendship Festival” this year, commemorating five decades of diplomatic ties.
“China firmly supports Thailand in pursuing a development path that suits its national conditions,” said Wang. He added that Thailand has always been a key partner in China’s neighborhood diplomacy and that Beijing is eager to further elevate the relationship to a higher and more substantial level.
Boosting Development and Connectivity
Wang encouraged both countries to align their national development strategies and deepen integration in fields such as digital economy, artificial intelligence, cross-border e-commerce, and green development. These areas, he said, could become new engines of growth for both nations as they modernize their economies.
He also stressed the importance of accelerating the construction of the China-Thailand railway, which is part of a broader effort to connect China, Laos, and Thailand through major infrastructure projects. The railway is expected to enhance regional connectivity and support long-term development goals.
Criticism of U.S. Trade Policy
Commenting on global trade dynamics, Wang criticized the United States for imposing unilateral tariffs, accusing Washington of disrupting global supply chains and undermining the rules of free trade. He expressed confidence that Thailand and other ASEAN countries would defend their legitimate interests by rejecting unilateralism, power politics, and economic coercion.
Wang reaffirmed China’s support for the World Trade Organization (WTO) and multilateral trade systems. He announced that China aims to sign the Version 3.0 Protocol of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area this year, which would expand their shared market and demonstrate a joint commitment to global trade rules through practical action.
Neutral Role in Thailand-Cambodia Border Issue
Addressing the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, Wang reiterated that both countries are long-standing friends and close neighbors of China. He expressed hope that the issue would be resolved peacefully through dialogue and mutual goodwill.
“China will maintain an objective and impartial stance and will play a constructive role in promoting peaceful relations between Thailand and Cambodia,” Wang stated.
Thailand’s Support for Stronger Ties
In response, Thai Foreign Minister Maris described China as a reliable and trusted friend of Thailand. He said the past 50 years of bilateral ties have been built on mutual respect and shared values, and that the Thailand-China relationship has stood the test of time.
Maris affirmed Thailand’s commitment to the One-China principle and expressed a strong desire to deepen cooperation with China, especially in areas like infrastructure connectivity, trade, agriculture, and combating transnational crime.
He also voiced Thailand’s firm support for multilateralism and called for the swift restoration of a fair and stable global trading system.
Peaceful Resolution with Cambodia
On the issue of border tensions with Cambodia, Maris emphasized that territorial disputes should not be resolved through violence. He thanked China for its neutral and balanced position in encouraging peaceful dialogue.
Maris stated that Thailand is committed to resolving the dispute through bilateral talks with Cambodia, guided by the spirit of good neighborliness and mutual goodwill.
(Xinhua)
Komentar